Cambridge MA Greek Revival Restoration

Dark, damp, unusable basement space

A closeup of the drainage system and the waterproof membrane

Walls being framed with waterproofing system in place

The finished basement

Custom cabinetry creates a cozy sitting area

One room doubles as a Projects Room and a spare bedroom

Project Details

Our clients owned a Greek Revival home in Cambridge that was becoming too small for their growing family. Instead of moving, they decided to make use of their entire basement and create a Family Room and an adjacent Projects Room/Spare Bedroom.

Finishing old basements pose several problems, chief of which is keeping the water out. So our first step was installing a waterproofing system consisting of a French drain beneath the slab and a membrane that we applied to the inside of the foundation walls.

With water taken care of, their goal of making full use of this space was a success. A cork floor, plastered walls and ceilings, some nice lighting and the space feels great.